Idiopathic Epilepsy is one of the most common canine neurologic conditions affecting about 0.75% of dogs worldwide [1]. There are many different presentations of canine seizures including (but not limited to) involuntary muscle contractions such as facial twitching, chewing movements, increase in muscle tone (stiffening), loss in muscle tone, behavioral changes, or even urination, vomiting, or defecation [2]. While anti-epileptic drugs are typically prescribed to manage canine seizures some of these can result in un-wanted side effects such sedation, drug dependence, vomiting, change in appetite and ataxia.
Similar to findings in treating Pediatric Epilepsy in humans [3], preliminary research has shown that hemp oil can reduce the frequency of canine seizures with less side-effects than existing anti-epileptic drugs. In a randomized blinded control trial comparing hemp oil to a placebo over a span of 12 weeks, 89% of dogs that received hemp oil treatment experienced a reduction in frequency of seizures [4].
How does Hemp Oil help with Canine Epilepsy?
Dogs, similar to human have 2 types of endocannabinoid receptors in their body, CB1 receptors which are located in the brain and nervous system, and CB2 receptors which are located in the immune system. Components of Hemp Oil act on CB1 receptors and reduce the frequency of seizures in epileptic dogs, however there is more research required to know the exact biological mechanism of these effects.
While there is positive research and testimonials from some of our customers below on how PawDaily (and Hemp Oil in general) can help reduce the severity of Canine Epilepsy, always be sure to consult with your Veterinarian before starting your pet on any new medication including hemp oil to ensure it is the right solution for your pet and that it won't interact with any other medications they are currently taking.
PawDaily Testimonials
Olivia & Tilly
Olivia is my 10-year-old Rottweiler Doberman cross and Tilly is my 8-year-old Rottweiler Greater Swiss Mountain Dog mix and both of my girls love to run, chase, play, swim, and even just walk leisurely. At 3 years old Tilly started to limp a lot and favouring her front paws, so I took her to the vet and it was determined she was already developing arthritis in her elbows. By 4 years old, she started having seizures and would have episodes about once or twice every 3 months or so with very little warning.
She has been on and off medication for her arthritis the past 5 years, but I always wished for her to be on something more natural. I came across Pawtanical, did my research, and decided it was worth trying and I am so thankful that I did. I put both of my girls on it at around the same time and the results were more than I could have imagined.
After only 4 doses of PawDaily Tilly displayed no signs of pain, stiffness, or sensitives and we are currently going on 8 months without an episode!
As for Olivia, she slept a little more often, played a little less, and her “ninja twirls” weren’t as fast as they used to be, but I assumed it was because she was getting older and now considered a senior. She didn’t display any visible signs of soreness or stiffness, or anything for me to be concerned about health wise but I was curious to see if Pawtanical could possibly benefit her in some way as she grows into her old age.
About 3 doses later, my senior dog Olivia became the “old dog” she used to be with the playfulness and happiness I thought I wouldn’t see again from her. She did a very good job at masking the soreness that can come with aging. It wasn’t until after I put her on Pawtanical, that I realized what was going on with her. I have had both my girls on it for just over 4.5 months now and I look forward to giving it to them every day just as much as they look forward to taking it!
- Katie, Olivia, & Tilly
Echo, Allister & Mazie
Thank you Pawtanical !!!!
- Lisa, Echo, Allister & Mazie
Brandon, MB
Conclusion
While there is still more research needed on the exact mechanism of hemp oil for canine epilepsy there has been positive preliminary research which has shown to improve symptoms of canine epilepsy as well as other ailments. While many of our customers have also reported positive effects using PawDaily please remember to consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure of your pet's health status or if they are on other medications before starting PawDaily.
References
[1] Heske L, Nodvedt A, Jaderlund KH, Berendt M, Egenvall A. A cohort study of epilepsy among 665,000 insured dogs: incidence, mortality and survival. 2014. Vet J; 202:471-6.
[2] Berendt M, Farquhar RG, Mandigers PJ, Pakzody A, Bhatti SF, De Risio L, Fischer A, Long S, Matsiasek K, Munana K, Patterson EE, Penderis J, Platt S, Podell M, Potschka H, Pumarola MB, Rusbridge C, Stein VM, Tipold A, Volk HA. International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force consensus report on epilepsy definition, classification and terminology in companion animals. 2015. BMC Vet Res 11:182.
[3] Bruno P, Savage T, Skirvin L, Wolper E, Thiele E. Efficacy of Cannabidiol in Patients with Refractory Epilepsy Relative to Concomitant use of Clobazam. American Epilepsy Society. 2017. Abst. 3.181.
[4] Stephanie McGrath, Lisa R. Bartner, Sangeeta Rao, Rebecca A. Packer, Daniel L. Gustafson. Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of oral cannabidiol administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2019; 254 (11): 1301 DOI: 10.2460/javma.254.11.1301